What must covered entities do to mitigate harmful effects caused by any inappropriate use of PHI?

Covered entities must have procedures in place for harm mitigation as a crucial component of protecting patient privacy and complying with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

This involves creating actionable steps to address any potential harm that could arise from unauthorized access to protected health information (PHI). Such procedures ensure that when there is an inappropriate use of PHI, the entity can respond effectively to minimize any negative impact on affected individuals, safeguarding their rights, and preserving trust in the healthcare system.

Having these procedures is essential not only for patient protection but also for legal compliance and risk management within the organization. It lays a proactive framework to tackle issues as they arise, rather than merely responding reactively after an incident occurs. In contrast to merely notifying all parties, performing an internal audit, or changing privacy policies, having specific procedures sets a foundational approach for consistently defending against potential breaches and addressing their consequences.